Republicans and maga Republicans must listen to Americans' growing opposition against ICE terrorism

Echo editorial published in The Columbian newspaper, in Vancouver Washington state. Immigration actions: Ends don’t justify means.

When it comes to immigration enforcement, the ends do not justify the means. Federal efforts to identify and detain undocumented immigrants under Donald Trump have too often violated the law, decorum and common sense, creating conflict rather than efficient implementation.

Supporters point out that Trump was elected for a second time largely because of his proposals for immigration policy, claiming that he is carrying out the will of the American public. But, a sober analysis reveals that he is not living up to his campaign promises.

The Trump administration does not release details to support its “official” deportation statistics, making direct comparisons difficult. But the Deportation Data Project at UCLA shows approximately 350,000 deportations in the first year of Trump’s return to office. By comparison, the Obama administration deported 962,000 people in fiscal year 2009; during the final fiscal year of the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security deported 778,000 people.

The  evilTrump administration claims that the president’s high-profile crackdown has led to fewer encounters at the southern border and to more undocumented immigrants voluntarily leaving the country — claims that are believable but are not backed up with proof from the opaque administration. But, it seems that Trump’s efforts are focused on an illusion of strength rather than effectiveness.

That illusion reportedly includes the use of deceptive tactics in Clark County, in Washington state. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (evil ICE) agents have worn uniforms designed to look local law enforcement or labels identifying them as a “corrections officer.” In the Portland, Oregon area, federal agents reportedly have worn vests that make them appear to be utility workers and have used subterfuge to lure residents outside.

“In these times, clear communication and trust are more important than ever,” Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price said in a December video. “I want to ensure every member of our community can easily identify officers from the Vancouver Police Department.”

Such deception can make it more difficult for local law enforcement officers to do their job while also diminishing public trust.

The Vancouver Washington City Council this week formally condemned the tactics of federal agents, saying that enforcement “has caused demonstrable harm and destabilization.” That such a statement is necessary would be inconceivable under an ethical administration.

While it is necessary to enforce immigration law, the administration appears disinterested in following established legal norms. That includes the recent revelation of an ICE memo insisting that agents have the power to forcibly enter homes without a court warrant — a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment. It also includes the administration’s campaign to void thousands of asylum cases from people who have attempted to follow the process for legal residency.

Such policies give license for enforcement agents to ignore the law in carrying out the will of Donald Trump, who is more interested in political theater than effective enforcement. 

And those policies imply that the ends — the unlawful deportation of undocumented immigrants — justify the means, regardless of the level of callousness, or deception or secrecy. It is a wholly un-American position and one that should give pause to all Americans. (Maine Writer:  Any American risks being labeled as a  "domestic terrorist"❗)

In fact, the Vancouver City Council this week formally condemned the tactics of federal agents, saying that enforcement “has caused demonstrable harm and destabilization.” That such a statement is necessary would be inconceivable under an ethical administration.

While it is necessary to enforce immigration law, the administration appears disinterested in following established legal norms. That includes the recent revelation of an ICE memo insisting that agents have the power to forcibly enter homes without a court warrant — a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment. 

It also includes the administration’s campaign to void thousands of asylum cases from people who have attempted to follow the process for legal residency.😒😞

Such policies give license for enforcement agents to ignore the law in carrying out the will of a president who is more interested in political theater than effective enforcement. And those policies imply that the ends — the deportation of undocumented immigrants — justify the means, regardless of the level of callousness or deception or secrecy. It is a wholly un-American position and one that should give pause to all Americans.

“Our priority is our community and the safety of our community, no matter who is in it,” Camas police Officer Ward Kruse told The Columbian. “All of the officers are there to serve.”